What is DAB+?
DAB+ is a digital standard for transmitting radio programmes.
Does my radio sound better via DAB+ than on FM reception?
DAB+ offers better sound quality. The hissing that you know from FM reception is no longer there. The sound quality always stays the same, even when the reception gets weaker. Only when the reception becomes too poor do you stop hearing anything at all.
Can DAB+ do more than FM?
Besides the better sound quality, a radio station can also send additional information via DAB+, for example the logo, which song is currently playing, the cover of the song, as well as information about the programme you are listening to.
Do I need a new device to listen to radio via DAB+?
Yes. The device has to be able to receive DAB+. Old FM radios do not have this option, but more recent devices may already have DAB+ reception. There are also adapters that let you receive DAB+ on an older device. Anyone who wants to carry on listening via FM can continue to do so with their old radio.
And in the car?
In the EU, car radios that have been sold in new cars since 2021 must be able to receive DAB+. There are, however, also models from before that date that already allow DAB+ reception. If the car is too old, there are adapters that make DAB+ reception possible on older car radios.
From when? For how long?
In Luxembourg, DAB+ will be officially broadcast from 1 December 2025. The DAB+ licence is valid for 10 years and can then be extended.
Which stations can you listen to on DAB+?
The seven national and regional stations that you could already listen to in Luxembourg via FM (for example RTL Radio Lëtzebuerg, RTL Radio – Deutschlands Hit Radio) are now also available on DAB+. On top of that there are five new stations, including RTL Today Radio, that you could not yet listen to, or only with difficulty, over antenna in Luxembourg.
How do I find the DAB+ stations on my radio?
In the car you do not have to do anything, the car radio automatically finds the stations it can receive. They appear in the station list and can be saved as favourites from there.
On a radio at home you have to scan for new stations.
What will happen to FM?
For the time being, nothing. Broadcasting via FM will continue. DAB+ is a more modern and efficient standard for transmitting radio that is being added to the existing offer. Whether and when FM might eventually be switched off depends on many different factors, so it is not possible to make a precise statement at this point.
Why DAB+ and not internet radio?
In the car DAB+ is just as easy to use as FM radio: switch on the radio, choose a station, listen. On top of that DAB+ is free, you do not need any subscription in order to listen to radio.
At home I do not hear any sound via the DAB+ radio!
DAB+ reception is best in the car. Because of the way houses are built and insulated, reception indoors can sometimes be more difficult. This is also because DAB+ is transmitted with lower power. Sometimes it is enough to orient the antenna differently or to place the radio closer to a window.
